Paws of War highlights ways to honor our heroes this Veteran’s Day and beyond
NESCONSET, New York – (November 9, 2023) – Since 2014, Paws of War has been serving the veteran community with a wide range of programs and services. A key focus of the organization is taking dogs rescued from high kill shelters, puppy mills and hoarding situations and giving them a second chance at life giving back to veterans in need.
According to Robert Misseri, the co-founder of Paws of War, “There are so many veterans who struggle, but are too proud to ask for help. We are constantly reaching out trying to find veterans who could benefit from a service dog, and the results are life saving and life changing”
The organizations motto is Helping Both Ends of the Leash and that can be seen every day.
Meet Corporal Chris Levi, an Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Having an education at a Military Academy and enrollment in ROTC, Chris was invested from the beginning in serving our country. In 2003 Levi enlisted in the army as a Private First Class. Over the years he would serve his country fighting overseas, protecting the lives of local villagers as well as gathering intelligence to report back to his unit leaders. His life was changed in 2008 when while he was out on a mission a roadside bomb exploded and Chris lost both of his legs. He endured 130 surgeries, several of them just to save his life. After returning home, Paws of War provided service dog training for his dog Remi to assist him with daily living tasks and be there for him both physically and emotionally.
Meet Lance Corporal Russell Anderson and Finley a true example of the Paws of War motto Helping Both Ends of the Leash. Russell. is a US Marine Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient and Finley is a golden retriever who was rescued by Paws of War from a horrific breeding situation. Serving in the military at the age of 17, Russell left for his first deployment in 2011. While overseas an improvised explosive device detonated near him launching him in the air several feet and leaving shrapnel in his legs, arms and stomach. All but two in his patrol unit were killed. After recovering he returning to duty in 2014. When his deployment ended and he returned home he struggled with PTSD and injuries including back, knee and traumatic brain injuries. Finley has played an integral role in Russell’s recovery, relieving him from anxiety and even waking Russell when he is having a nightmare. The two have an unbreakable bond and a mutual love for one another.
Meet Dawn Amato and Peaches. Dawn served in the US Army for nearly 22 years and suffered severe post-traumatic stress disorder after her difficult return from Iraq and Germany. Peaches, a pit bull mix that was emaciated and on the verge of death from parasites was rescued from a kill shelter in Georgia. The two of them were brought together by Paws of War in 2018 and they both needed to be rescued in their own way. Peaches would go on to be trained to become Dawn’s full time service dog through the Paws of War Service Dog Training program and would provide vital assistance including awaking her from night terrors and helping her balance if she has an attack from PTSD.
Here are several ways that people can help support veterans this Veteran’s Day and beyond:
- Donate to support the cause. Some organizations, such as Paws of War, go to great lengths to help veterans. They can only do this if community members support their mission and make it possible. Donating to a cause like this helps veterans get something they need because the funds are pooled together, making projects more manageable.
- Volunteer. Find a local group or organization that helps veterans and volunteer there. They can let you know what type of help you can provide, which will, in turn, give some support and benefit to the veterans they serve.
- Hire them. If a veteran in your community needs a job, help them find a place willing to hire them. If you are a business owner, try to help veterans with employment.
- Ask them what they need. This seems simple, but often, nobody asks them what they need. If you come across a veteran, ask them if there is something they need. You may be surprised at the answers and how some little things can add up to big things for them.
- Provide transportation. Some veterans need help getting to appointments and running errands. Let veterans in your local area know that you are willing to give them a ride to their appointments.
“Veterans Day is here so we are all wondering what we can do to help,” added Misseri. “We can start now, but continue our efforts all year. It’s the least we can do together to give back to them.”
Paws of War has been operating worldwide since 2014, helping the military save the animals they rescue while deployed overseas. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to support their mission, visit its site
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
